Trillium Fest
LC Nature Park would like to thank everyone who joined us for our annual Trillium Fest. We had a great day barring a quick thunderstorm that rolled through at about 1 o’clock. But that’s one of the beautiful things about nature enthusiasts; a little rain won’t easily deter them from a hike.
The day got off to a great start.
The first of the day’s volunteers arrived bright and early to help set up. We got all the signs out, tables set up, and everything in place and ready to go. Our first visitors began to arrive at noon, and by 1 o’clock, people were filling up the Mills Education Center to see the raptors of Soarin’ Hawk Raptor Rehab.
The handlers of Soarin’ Hawk did an outstanding job, and all the raptors, including Jefferson the Bald Eagle, were amazing to see in person (even if Jeff did decide to poop, to riotous laughter, for everyone to see).
We could hear a few rumbles of thunder, see bands of dark clouds starting to grow, and then strikes of lightning began in the distance. Without warning, the deluge began. We didn’t see too many racing for cover, we literally had to encourage (okay, more like herd) our hikers to rain shelter!
If there is one thing all Hoosiers know is that the weather will change quickly in April. They knew it wouldn’t last long (which it didn’t), so after shaking off the raindrops, everyone got back to their hiking.
And thanks to the quick storm, all the green around us was suddenly much much greener. Thanks, Mother Nature!
Some great interpreters staffed the hiking trail. They took hikers on a trip through the Park and, in some places, back in time to learn about the Maumee Torrent, the flood event that created the Little River Valley. Our resident bison and elk rewarded the hikers with their presence rather than hiding. Did we mention that it’s calving season, and we expect bison calves any day and elk in June? We’re so excited!
Hikers also got to see all the ephemeral spring flowers coming up, like Spring Beauty, Dutchman’s Breeches, Bloodroot, Prairie Trillium, and the showstopping Great White Trillium.
It was a great day filled with great people. We can’t wait till next year!
Lastly, we would like to give a big shout-out to all our volunteers. Without the generosity of your time and talents, Trillium Fest could not be what it is.
Big thanks also go out to Bravas and Whip & Chill food trucks for their delicious offerings, Soarin’ Hawk Raptor Rehab for always teaching us something new and showing us a good time (thanks again for the poop, Jefferson). To our partner organizations – Little River Wetlands Project, ACRES Land Trust, the Environmental Resources Center, and the Indiana Department of Resources, for all the great information they provided at their tables.
